Abu Dhabi: Four and a half decades of dream has come true for the believers of the Church of South India (CSI) in United Arab Emirates. The first CSI church in the Emirates was opened to the public on Sunday at 4.30 p.m.

The church was opened with a consecration service led by CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese Bishop Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian. Parish vicar Lalji M. Philip, former vicar Soji Varghese, and others participated in the service.

To spread the message of peace, the bishop, along with Swami Brahmaviharidas, Abdullah Al-Tunaiji, and Ahmed Al Mansoori, planted an olive tree in the courtyard of the church.

The church has been built opposite the BAPS Hindu Mandir in the cultural district of Abu Mureikha. About 900 people can worship here simultaneously. The church was built at a cost of 1.1 crore AED on an area of 12,000 square feet on a 4.37-acre plot of land allotted by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.